Merton Expert Patients Programme Jennifer Sangalang, Merton EPP Manager Christine Monahan, Merton EPP Navigator

Background The Expert Patients Programme (EPP) is a six-week programme licensed by Stanford University for people with one or more long-term health conditions. EPP is peer-led by tutors who have previously completed the course and then trained as a tutor due to the positive effect EPP has had on their everyday lives. EPP aims to support participants to manage their condition(s) on a day-to- day basis through shared learning, peer support and behaviour change. Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

Self-management courses Expert Patients Programme (EPP)- long-term health conditions. Looking After Me (LAM) - for carers. New Beginnings (NB) - living with or recovering from mental health conditions. Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

Benefits of the courses Improved confidence, symptom-management, provision of a support network and better use of health services. Encourages participants to manage their conditions to only seek care from a professional when they are certain their symptoms have reached crisis stage. Cost savings through a reduction in GP visits, fewer outpatient referral and a smaller number of admissions to A&E as well as increased utilisations of community pharmacies. EPP offers a tool-kit of techniques to help you take control of your condition, feel more confident and improve quality of life. Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

Course Content Dealing with pain and fatigue. Planning and setting goals. Coping with feelings of anger and depression healthy eating and exercise. Communicating with family, friends and health care professionals. Finding other health services in the community. Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

Review of 2016-17 and targets for 2017-18 The previous Merton EPP team put on 4 courses in 2016/17, the last one took place in June 2016. From 1 October 2016 Merton transferred the management of this function to Wandsworth CCG. In November 2016 the WCCG self-management team organised its first EPP course at the Shree Ghanapathy temple where 14 people attended. We aim to reach out to other key groups such as faith groups, BME groups, young people. Our target for this financial year is to deliver 6 EPP courses. Numbers attended Long term conditions dealt with Key groups targeted Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

Merton CCG Medicines Optimisation Team

Our Current Stage Following the success of the Shree Ganapathy Expert Patients course, we will work with them again to potentially set up another course. Organisations around the borough who are keen to work with the Merton self-management team and to host courses are being identified. Work with local communities and voluntary sector. Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

Referral Pathways Self-referral. Marketing Events. Via Health Care Professionals. Voluntary Sector. Social Prescribing Pilot. Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

How can you help the team? Upcoming events. Magazines, newsletters, group emails. Marketing opportunities. Presentation opportunities. Word of mouth. Raising awareness at your GP practice. Raising awareness in your network Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme

Thank You  Any Questions? Jennifer Sangalang – Merton EPP Manager: Jennifer.Sangalang@wandsworthccg.nhs.uk Christine Monahan – Merton EPP Navigator Christine.Monahan@wandsworthccg.nhs.uk Merton CCG Expert Patients Programme